Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 10 — page 34: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

: ame — = 2 <_2 22 34 It was agreed that we should take a hackney-coach, and peoceer together to his house, situated in the Rue St. An- oine, Arrived there, we ascended into his chamber, where he was to keep us under Jock and key until the instant of departure. Confined between four walls, in close converse with these robbers, I knew not what saint to invoke, and what pretext to invent, to effect my escape. St. Germain would have blown. out my brains at the least suspicion; and how to act or what was to be done, I knew not.. My on y plan was to re-ign myself to the event, be it what it might; and this determination taken, I affected to busy myself with the preparajives for our crime, the very sight of which redoub ed my perplexity and horgor. Pistols were laid on the table, in order to have the charges drawn and to be properly reloaded. . Whilst they under- Went a strict scrutiny, St. Germain remark«d a pair which sectied to him no longer able ‘‘to do the state any ser- vice;” he laid. them aside-—-“ Here,” said he, “ these ‘toothless barkers’ will never do; whilst the rest of you ire loading and priming your batferies, I will get these ebaiuved for others more likely to aid our purpose. As he Was » eparing to quit the room, I bade him remoember that, .ccording to our contract, none of us coujd quit the place Without befng svg gia by a second. ‘* Right— quite right,’* replied he; ‘‘1 like people not only to make, but to keep engagements; so come with me.”’ “ But,’ said], “ti ese other two gentlemen?’—‘‘Oh!"’ Janghed St. Germain, “‘they shall be, kept.out of harm's way till our return;’* so saying, he very coolly double-locked the ‘door upon them, and then taking me by the arm, led me to» shop from which he generally supplied himself with what he required for his various ¢xpeditions. Upon the present occasion he purchased some balls, powder, flints, exchanged the old pistols for new ones, and then declar- ing his business completed, retumed with me to_ his house. On entering 1 felt a fresh thrill of horror, from perceiving liow earnestly and yet calmly the wretch Bou- din was uccupied in sharpening two large dinner-knives i f ho: ¢;—the sight froze my blood, and I turned away disyt st, Mennwhile the time was struck, and no expedie:.t o ‘tsclf. Lyawned and stretched, fe:gning weariness, and role into an apartment. adjoining the one in which we ad assembled, threw myself on a bed, as if in search of eenose; after a few instants, I 9 igomkg still more fidgety with this indolence, and I could perccive that the others were not less so than inyself.. ‘‘Suppose we have a glass of somethis g to cheer us,” cried St, Germain. “An ex- cellent. idea!” I replied, ulmost leaping for joy at the un- expected opening t seemed likely to afford my scheme; “o Most capital thonght—aud by way of helping it, if you can manage to send tomy house, you may have a glass of Burgundy, such as cannot be met with every day.” All deciared the thought to be a most seasonable relief to the ennui which was beginn ng to have hold of them, now that their work of preparation was at an end; and St. Germain, without farther delay, despatched his porter ta Annette, who was requested to bring the promised treat herself, It was agreed that nothing relative to our plan should be uttered before her; and whilst my three com- panions were indulging in rough jokes upon the unex- pected pleasure thus offered them, I carelessly resumed yy pace on the bed, and whilst there traced with a pen- ‘cil these few lines—** When you leave this place, disguise nueva and do not for an instant lose sight of myself, t. Germain, or Boudin. Be careful to avoid all observa- tion; and, above all, be sure to pick up anything I may let fall, and to Son Vey it as directed.*"’ Short as was this hurried instruction, it was, I knew, sufficient for Annette, who had frequently received similar directions, and I felt quite assured that she won'd comprehend it_ in its fullest sense. It was not long before. she joined us, bringing with her the basket of wine. Her appearance was the a beep for mirth and gaicty.. She was comp.imented by all; and as for myself, under the semblance of thankiny her for her ready attendance with an embrace, I manage to. slip the billet into her hand; she understood me, took leave of the company, and left me far huppier than I had felt an hour before, We made a hearty dinner, after which I suggested the dieu of going alone vith St. Germain to reconnoitre the scene of action, in oraer to be provided with the means of guarding against any accident. As this seemed merely the councel of a prudent man, it excited no suspicion; the only difference in his opinion and mine was, that IT pro posed taking a hackney-coach, whilst he juaged it better “oO walk. hen we reached the part he considered mo-t favorable for scaling, he pointed it out to me, and I took sure to observe it su well, that I could easily describe it to another, without fear of any mistake arising. This done, St, Germain recollected thut we had all better cover our faces with black crape,and we proceeded towards the Pulais Royal, for the purpose of buying some; anu whilst he was in a shop, examining the different sorts, I managed to scrawl hastily on paper every particular and direction which might « nable the police to interfere and prevent the crime. St. Germain, whose vigilance never relaxed, and who had as much as possible kept his eye upon me with calin scrutiny, conducted me to a public-honse, where we refreshed ourselves with some beer: quitting this place we waked aguin homewards, without my having been enabled to dispose of the billet I had written; when, just as we Were re-entering his cdious den of crimes, my eye eaught sight of Annette, who, disguised in a manner that would have effectually deceived every Other but myself ‘as on the watch for our return. Convinced that she had ecoonized me, I 1 anayed to drop my paper as T_ rossed che threshold; and relieved in a great measure, of many of my former appre!.ensions, I committed myself to my fate. As the terrible hour for the fulfillment cf our scheme approached, I became a prey to a thousand ter- ‘ors, Spit: of the warning I had sent through Annette ‘he police inight be tardy in obeying its directions, an » cut perhaps arrive too late to prevent the consumma- iou of the crime, Should I at once avow myself, and in wy real character, arrest St. Germain and his accom- lices? Alas! what could I do against three powerful men, rendered furious by revenge and desperation? And sesides, had I even succeeded in my attempt, who could aay that I might be be! eved, when 1 denie all participa- tion with them, except such as was to farther the ends of justice, Instances rose to my recollection, where, undér similar circumstances, the police had abandoned its suet, or, confound ng them with the gailty wretches with whom they had mingled, refnoed fo acknowledge their innocence. I was ip all the agony of such reflec- dons, when St. Gerniain roused me, by desiring I would accompany Debenne, whose cabriolet was destined to re- cee ihe exp: cted treasure of money-bags, and was for that purpose to be stationed at the corner of the street. Ve wentout iogether, and, ss 1 looked around me, | of my faithful A in mot the eye taiiated mé thai ald m) commissions + ene pens away; one o'clock safety had yet presented ette, whose glance ‘pean. atinnded z at ties Vis fe , er ee = Ee oo ees eae ied rg — sep gts ———~ Sl steepness Se oe The New York Library. to. Just then, Debenne inquired of me the place of ren- dezvous. I know not what good genius suggested to me the idea of saving this unhappy creature. I had observed that he was not wicked at heart, and that, he seemed rather drawn towards the abyss of guilby want and bad advice, than by any natural inclination for crime. I hastily assigned to him a post, away from the spot which had beer agreed on: and, happy in having saved him from the snare, rejoined St. German and Boudin at the angle of the boulevard St, Denis. It wasnow about half-past ten, and I gave them to understand that the cabriolet would require some time In getting ready; that I had given orders to Debenne, that he should take his station in the corner of the Rue du Faubourg Poissonniéfe, ready to has- ten to us at the slightest signal, I observed to them, that the sight of a cabriolet too near to the place of our labors might awaken suspicion; and they agreed in thinking my precautions wisely taken. Eleven o'clock struck—we took a glass together in the fauxbourg St. Denis, and then directed our steps towards the banker's Habitation. The tranquility of Boudin and his infamous associate, had something in it almost fiend- like; they walked coolly along; each with his pipe in hs mouth, which was only removed to hum over some loose song. At last we arrived at the part of the garden wall it had been determinrd to scale, by means of a large post, which wonld serve asa ladder. St, Germain demanded my pis- tols;—my heart began to beat violently, for I fully expect- ed that, having by some ill chance penctrated my real share in the affair, he meant that I should answer for it with my life; resistance would have been useless, and I put them into his hands; but, to my extreme relief, he merely Opened the pan, changed the priming, and returned them to me, After having performed a similar operation on his own ‘pistols and those of Boudin, he set the example of eccabe the post; Bondin followed; and both of them without interrupting their smoking, sprung into the garden: ft became my turn to follow them: trembling, I reached the top ‘of the wall; all my former apprehensions crowded back upon me. Had the police a had time to lay their ambuscade: Might not St. Germain have preceded them? These and a thousand similar questions agitated my mind, My feelings were, however wrought up to so high a pitch, that, in the midst of such a moment of cruel sus- pense, I determined on one measure, namely, to prevent the commission of the crime, though I sank in the un- equal struggle. However, St. Germain seving me still sitting astride on the top of the wall, and becoming im- patient at my delay, cried out, ‘‘ Come, come down with you,” Scarcely had he said the words, than he was vig- orously attacked by a number of men, Boudin and him- self offered a desperite resistance, A brisk fire com- menced—the balls whistled—and, after a. combat of some minutes, the two assassins were seized, though not be- fore several of the police had been wounded. St. Ger- main and bis companion were likewise much hurt, For myself, as I took no part in the engagement, I was not likely to come to any harm; nevertheless, that | might sustain my "ge to the end, I fell .on the field of battle, as though I had been pete wounded. The next instant I was wrapped in a covering, and in this manner con- veyed to a room where Boudin and St. Germain were; the latter appeared deeply touched at my death; he she teurs, and it was necessury to empl y force to remove him from what he believed to be my corpse, St. Germain was a man of about five feet cight inches high, with strongly develop: d muscles, an enormous head, and very small eyes, half closed, like those of an ow); his face, deeply mar ed with the small-pox, Was extremely plain; and yet, from the qui.kness and vivacity of his ex- ression, he was by many persons cousiderc pleasing: n describing his features, a strong resemblance would suggest itself to thore of the hyena and the wolf, par- ticularly if the attention were directed to his immensely wide jaws, furnished with large projecting fangs; his very organization partook of the animal instinct common to beaxts of prey; he was passionately fond of hunting; the sight of blood exhilarated ge Ry other passions were ‘gaming, women, and good eating and drinking, As he had acquired the air and manners of good society, he expressed himrelf when he chose with ease and fluency, and was almost always fashionably and elegantly’ dressed ; he might be styled a ‘ well-bred thief.’ When his interest required it, no person could better as- sume the mildness of an amiable, nian; at other times he was abruptand brutel, His comrade ‘Boudin was dimin- utive in stature, scarcely reaching five feet two inches} thin, with a livid complexion; his eyes dark and piercing, and ae sunk in his head. The habit of wielding the curving-knife, and of cutting u / DER ad rendered him ferocious. He was bow-legged; a deformity 1 have ob- served among several systematic assassins, as well as among many other individuals distinguished by their crimes, I cannot remember any event of my life which afforded me more real satisfaction than the esp of these two villains, I applauded myself for haying delivered society from two monsters, at the same time that I esteemed mysclf fortunate in having sa: ed Debenne from the fate which wonld have befallen him had he been taken with them. However, the share of self-satisfaction produced by the feeling of having been instrumental in rescuing a fellow-creature from destruction, was but a slight com- pe: sation for the misery I experienced at being in a man. ner compélled by tre stern duties of the post I filled, either to send a fresh succession of Victims to ascend the éciffold or to mount it myself, The quality of ‘secret agent’’ preserved, it is true, my liberty, and shielded me from the dangers to which, as a fugitive pallor wave, J was formerly exposed; true, 1 was no longer subjected to the many terrors which had once ape me: but still I was not pardoned; and until that happy event took place the liberty I possessed was but a precarious posses- sion, which the caprice of my employers could deprive me of at any moment. Again, I was not insensible to the general odium attached to the department I filled. Still revolting as were its functions to my own choice an mind, it was a necessary evil, and one from which there was no escape. I therefore strove to reconcile myself to it by arcuments such as these:—Was I not daily occupied in endeavoring to promote the welfare of society? Was I not espousing the Pt of the good upright against the bad and vicious? And should I by these steps draw down upon me the contempt of mankind? f went about dravging guilt from its hidden recesses, and unmasking its many schemes of blood and murder: and should I for this be pointed out with the finger of scorn and hatred? Attack ng thieves, even on the very theatre of their crimes, wresting from them the weapons with which they had armed themselve ‘boundless was t -caped me, either relat ‘was known to traffic with the thieves: and ys op th the receiver o you 80 éasil I boldly dared tieir vengeance; and did I for this merit! with w be despieea? My veason became couvineed; and my | mame bette: than you evem to de,”’ we < - ee re oo ee ee a ee eee once 9 O a eee ee ee mind, satisfied with the upright motives which gu me, regained its calmness and self-command; and thus armed, I felt that I had contrage to dare the ingratitude and obloquy of an unjust opinion respecting me and my occupation. > *~ CHAPTER XXIV. Tux thieves, who had experienced a temporary panic at the many arrests which had successively fallen, with un- expected Vengeance, on many of their party, were Lot long in reappearing more numerous and more audacious than ever. Amongst their number were severa: fu¢ tive galley paver, who, having gal a in the Bagnes a very angerous sort of trade and ready invention, had come te exercise it in Paris, where they soon rendered themetives dreaded by all parties. The police, exasperated at their boldness, resolved upon putt an end to their career. I was accordingly commanded to seek them ont; and farther orders were given to me, te arrange a plan of action with the peace officers by which they might be at hand whenever I €eemed it likely they could effect the Capture of any of these ruffians. It may be easily guessed how difficult my task must be: however, I lost no time in visiting every place of ill-fame, both in the metropolis and its environs. In a very few days I had gained the knowl- edge of all the dens of vice where I might be likely to meet with these wretches. The barrier de la Courtille, those of the Combat and de Menilmontant, were the places of most favorite resort; they were, in a manner, their head-quarters, and woe to the agent who had shown himself there, no ‘inatter for what reason; he would assuredly have had his brains beaten out. The gen- darmes were equally in dread of this well-known and formidable association, and carefully abstained from ap- proaching it. For my own part, I felt less timidity, and ventured without hesitation into the midst of this herd of miserable beings, I frequented their society; I became to outward semblance one of themselves; and soon ained the advantage of being treated with so much con- idence as to be admitted to their nocturnal meetings, where they openly discussed the crimes they had com- mitted, as well as those they meditated. I managed so skilfully, that I easily drew from them the particulars of their Own abode, or that of the females with whom they cohabited. I ar go still farther, and assert, that so e confidence with which I inspired them, that had any one of their members dared to express the shadow of a ming a aed eget me, he would have been punished on the spot. In this manner I obtained every requisite information; so that, when I had once indicated any fit object for arrest, his conviction and cor.- demnation became matters of course. My researcher “intra muros,” were not less successful. ‘I frequented avery, tennis-court in the environs of the Palace-Roya' the Hotel d’Angleterre, the boulevards of the Temple, and in fact the whole city. Not a day passed in which ! did not effect some Hporeane discovery, Nothing es ng to crimes which had_ beer committed, or were in contemplation, I was in al! places; I knew all that. was passing or projecting: and never were the police idly or unprofitably employed wher. set to work upon my suggestions, M, Henry openly expressed his surprise as well as satis. faction at my zeal and success; it was not so with many of the peace-oflicers and sub-agents of the police, for, |*‘le accustomed to the hard duty and constant watchfulnuss my plans induced, they openly murmured, Some of them, in their anxiety to d of the irksomeness of my direction, were cowardly enough to betray the secret of the disguise under favor of which I had so sbilfully manenvered, This PoprAgeue act drew down upon them severe reprimands, without having the effect of makin them more circumspect, or more devoted to the public rood, | a at will be readily understood, that associating as I con- stantly did with the vilest and most abandoned, I must, as a matter of course, be repeatedly invited to join in their acts of criminal violence; this I never refused at the moment of asking, but always formed some plea for fail- ing to. attend the rendezvous for such purposes. These men of crimes were Benge so absorbed in their villain- ous machinations, that the most flimsy excuse passed current with them: I may even say, that frequently it did not require the trouble of an excuse to deceive them. Once arrested, they never troubled themselves to find out by What means it had been effected; and even had they been more awake, my measures were laid too ably for them to have arrived at the chance of suspecting me as the author of it: indeed, I have often been accosted by me of the gang to communicate the sorrowful tidings of the apprehension of one of their number, as well as to beg my advice and assistance in endeavoring to procure his release. Nothing is more wy g Peder be once on good terms with a thief, than to obtain a prices of the persons to whom he disposes of his stolen prope y. Perhaps the recital] of the means I adopted to rid Paris of one of these dangerous characters may not be pipers ae to the